‘Dragon Gate’ to screen in Imax 3D

Tsui Hark pic breaks new ground in China

Hong Kong helmer Tsui Hark’s 3D chopsocky epic “Flying Swords of Dragon Gate” will be the first Chinese film to screen in Imax 3D when it opens Dec. 18, producers Bona Entertainment said Thursday.

It will also go out at standard 3D venues

The release date gives the pic a good run over the peak Christmas season.

Pic, about a hunt for a missing concubine, starring Jet Li, is co-produced by China Film Group, SMG Pictures, Shine Show Interactive Media and Bona.

So far only Feng Xiaogang’s “Aftershock” and the patriotic pic “Beginning of the Great Revival” have been given the Imax treatment in China. Neither was in 3D.

“The martial arts world that Tsui Hark creates in 3D is truly overwhelming, and we decided to present it in the large-screen format to bring the ultimate sensation to the audience,” said Don Savant, managing director of Imax Asia-Pacific.

Imax has been successful in tapping the China market, breaking through where other exhibitors have failed. In March, Imax signed a 75-theater revenue-sharing agreement with China’s Wanda Cinema Line Corp.